On 19th June, PM Modi visited the ruins of Nalanda, an ancient seat of learning and a world heritage site. During his visit to Rajgir, Patna, he inaugurated the new campus of the 1600 years old Nalanda University.
Before inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda, PM Modi had visited teh exvacated ruins of Nalanda and had shared its pictures. He posted on X, “Visiting the excavated remains of Nalanda was exemplary. It was an opportunity to be at one of the greatest seats of learning in the ancient world. This site offers a profound glimpse into the scholarly past that once thrived here. Nalanda has created an intellectual spirit that continues to thrive in our nation.”
Visiting the excavated remains of Nalanda was exemplary. It was an opportunity to be at one of the greatest seats of learning in the ancient world. This site offers a profound glimpse into the scholarly past that once thrived here. Nalanda has created an intellectual spirit that… pic.twitter.com/UAKCZZqXn4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 19, 2024
He called the day as a special one for Nalanda as it has a strong connect with our glorious past.
The Glorious Past…
Nalanda University was built by Kumar Gupta in the early 5th century. It was one of the world’s first residential universities and it and an esteemed center of knowledge. It was at the peak of its popularity during the era of Harshvardhan and the Pala dynasty. People from far flung areas like Korea, China, Sri Lanka and Turkey used to come here to study. It is said to have housed around 10,000 students and 2000 teachers. The university attracted scholars from around the world and offered education in wide range of subjects ranging from astronomy to mathematics and theology.
Its infrastructure was also of par excellence, including muti storey buildings, gardens and lakes. The University housed a huge library know as the Dharma Gunj (mountain of truth). It was such a great center of Knowledge that it was attacked three times by different invaders. First by Huns then by Goudas and finally by Bakhtiyar Khilji, who wanted to destroy the root of all knowledge and pride of India. In 1193 CE, he had attacked Nalanda and set the great library on fire. It is said that the fire burnt for several months and around 9 million manuscripts were destroyed in this fire.
Reawakening Nalanda…
The new campus of Nalanda is spread across 455 acres and is a blend of ancient architectural and modern practices. It has around 40 classrooms, having a seating capacity of around 1900 and two 300- seat auditoriums. The campus has hostel facilities for around 550 students. A 2000 seat Amphitheatre, sports complex and an international center.
Above all it is a “Net-Zero” campus. The first ever campus in India to work on Net Zero Waste and Net Zero Emissions. A self sustainable campus equipped with a 6.5MW solar farm, water treatment and water recycling plants. It has a 1.5MW biogas plant and over 100 acres of land, reserved for water bodies and green landscaping.
To promote sustainability the entire campus has been built using Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB) instead of the burnt bricks. It also has incorporated indigenous water management practices like the “Ahar-Pyne” system to enhance sustainability. Desiccant Evaporative (DEVAP) technology has also been used for efficient thermal resistance ensuring comfortable indoor climates with minimal energy use.
On This Occasion…
In his speech, PM Modi said, “It is a significant step in the journey of India’s development…It’s not just a name, but an identity and pride. Nalanda’s shutdown pushed India into darkness. Nalanda is a symbol of India’s academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange….We need to revive the old tradition of Nalanda. I am happy that I got the opportunity to visit Nalanda within 10 days after swearing in as PM for the 3rd time…Nalanda is not just a name, it is an identity and respect. Nalanda is a value and mantra…fire can burn books but it can’t destroy knowledge.”
One of the excerpt from his electrifying speech being-
नालंदा केवल एक नाम नहीं, बल्कि भारतवर्ष की सशक्त पहचान है। pic.twitter.com/cYwsr9Vem7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 19, 2024
Overall, this is indeed a momentous occasion for after 800 years, Bharat is reviving its centers of knowledge.
The inauguration of the Nalanda University signifies the revival of Bharat’s knowledge systems, its culture, its ideas and above all the awakening of Bharatiya Sabhyata as a whole.